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Basic River Signals |
Stop! | Paddle or arms held horizontally
and moved slightly up and down Stop! Potential hazard ahead. Wait for "all clear" signal before proceeding, or scout ahead. Form a horizontal bar with your outstretched arms. Those seeing the signal should pass it back to others in the party. |
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Go. or 1 down | Paddle
or arm held vertically in line with the body All Clear: Come ahead (in the absence of other directions proceed down the centre). Form a vertical bar with your paddle or one arm held high above your head. Paddle blade should be turned flat for maximum visibility. |
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Help/Emergency |
Vertically held paddle or arm waved back and forth Assist the signaler as quickly as possible. Give three long blasts on a police whistle while waving a paddle, helmet or life vest over your head. If a whistle is not available, use the visual signal alone. A whistle is best carried on a lanyard attached to your Buoyancy Aid. Every paddler should carry a whistle for emergency communication. Here are the basic whistle signals.
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Go that way. |
Paddle held out at 45° (or as near as) to one side N.B. Never point at the hazard. Right/Left: To signal direction or a preferred course through a rapid around obstruction, lower the previously vertical "all clear" by 45 degrees toward the side of the river with the preferred route. Never point toward the obstacle you wish to avoid. |
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I'm ok | I'm ok: I'm ok and not hurt. While holding the elbow outward toward the side, repeatedly pat the top of your head. |
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No Signal then no one moves!
If leading a group check out Andy Grimes Article
with alternative views......
Canoe
Club River Signals Video - YouTube Video....
Specialist signals (MUST be agreed
within each group as not universal)